Relationship Between Compassionate Empathy and Becoming a White Anti-Racist

Racism persists as a pervasive global issue, manifesting in various forms and impacting

communities across racial and ethnic backgrounds. Anti-racist activism has long sought

to combat such discrimination, with recent years witnessing a notable rise in White antiracist

activists within the United States. Understanding the motivations behind these

activists' work provides critical insights into the decision to engage in anti-racism. This

study explored the transformative role of compassionate empathy in shaping the identities

and activism of White anti-racist individuals. Using a qualitative constructivist grounded

theory methodology, intensive interviews were conducted with eight White American

anti-racist activists, supplemented by document and textual data. The findings revealed

that compassionate empathy serves as both a catalyst and sustaining force for anti-racist

activism. Participants' narratives highlighted three key themes: Empathy and

Understanding, Witnessing Racial Injustice, and Daily Actions and Interactions,

illustrating how personal experiences, community engagement, and reflective practices

contribute to the development of anti-racist identities.This research underscores the

critical role of empathy in motivating sustained engagement in anti-racist work and

advancing social justice. The implications of this study extend to researchers, educators,

and activists, offering actionable strategies to foster empathy and strengthen anti-racist

frameworks for addressing systemic inequities.